Wedding dress alterations are essential for ensuring that your gown fits perfectly and enhances your beauty on your special day. Here’s a closer look at the importance of these alterations, affordable options available in Bakersfield, and some recommended local services.

Importance of Alterations for Your Wedding Dress

Wedding dress alterations are the meticulous adjustments made to ensure that the gown flatters your body shape and complements your personal style. Most off-the-rack wedding dresses do not fit perfectly, as they are made in standardized sizes. This means that even if a dress looks good initially, it often requires adjustments to achieve that flawless fit.

Common alterations include:

  • Taking in or letting out the bodice, waist, or hips to match your measurements.

  • Hemming the dress to the desired length for comfort and style.

  • Reshaping the neckline or adding sleeves for a more customized look.

  • Adding embellishments like beading or lace to enhance the design.

  • Creating a bustle to lift the train for easier movement during the reception.

Timely alterations are crucial; it's advisable to schedule fittings two to three months before your wedding day to allow for multiple adjustments and avoid last-minute stress.

Affordable Wedding Dress Alteration Places in Bakersfield

Bakersfield offers several affordable options for wedding dress alterations, ensuring brides can find skilled services without breaking the bank. Here are five recommended places:

A Almost Free Alterations 

A Almost Free Alterations is a well-regarded tailoring service located in Bakersfield, CA, specializing in a range of alteration services, particularly for bridal gowns. With over 34 years of experience, this family-owned business has established a reputation for delivering high-quality alterations at affordable prices.

Services Offered

A Almost Free Alterations understands the significance of a wedding dress and the need for it to fit perfectly. They provide comprehensive bridal alteration services, which include:

  • Taking in or letting out the bodice and waist for an ideal fit.

  • Hemming the dress to the desired length.

  • Reshaping necklines or adding sleeves to customize the gown.

  • Adding embellishments such as lace or beading to enhance the dress's design.

  • Creating bustles for easier movement during the reception.

Quick Turnaround

The shop offers same-day services on select items, allowing brides to receive quick alterations without compromising quality. They also provide a unique 15-minute service for certain alterations, ensuring that customers can have their needs met efficiently.

Pricing and Estimates

One of the standout features of A Almost Free Alterations is their commitment to affordability. They offer free estimates for all alteration services, allowing brides to understand the costs upfront without any obligation. Additionally, they frequently run promotions such as a 10% discount on bridal gown services, making it even more budget-friendly for brides-to-be.

Customer Experience

The business prides itself on providing excellent customer service. Many clients have praised their friendly staff and the quality of work delivered. The team at A Almost Free Alterations is dedicated to ensuring that every bride feels beautiful and confident in her gown on her special day.

Sew Elegant Bridal Veils and Alterations

Sew Elegant Bridal Veils and Alterations is a highly regarded alteration service located in Bakersfield, CA, known for its expertise in customizing wedding gowns. With over 25 years of experience, particularly in the fashion industry of New York City, the owner, Mary Rita Nommensen, brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to her work.

Services Offered

Sew Elegant specializes in a wide range of alterations tailored to meet the unique needs of brides and their bridal parties. The services include:

  • Basic Alterations: This includes standard adjustments such as hemming the dress to the desired length and taking in or letting out seams for a perfect fit.

  • Complex Modifications: More intricate alterations are also available, such as reshaping necklines, adding or removing straps, and adjusting bodices to enhance the overall silhouette.

  • Customization: The shop offers customization options like adding corsets, sleeves, or embellishments such as beading and appliqués. This allows brides to personalize their gowns according to their vision.

  • Bridal Party Alterations: In addition to bridal gowns, Sew Elegant provides alteration services for bridesmaids' dresses, mother-of-the-bride outfits, and flower girl dresses.

  • Bustle Creation: A bustle is essential for lifting the train of the gown during receptions or dancing. The team at Sew Elegant can expertly create a bustle that complements the style of the dress.

Customer Experience

Sew Elegant is well-reviewed for its commitment to customer satisfaction. Brides have praised Mary Rita for her ability to understand their vision and deliver results that exceed expectations. The shop is known for its welcoming atmosphere and flexible scheduling, making it easier for brides to fit fittings into their busy wedding planning timelines.

The process typically involves multiple fittings to ensure that every detail is perfected. During these fittings, Mary Rita takes meticulous measurements and makes adjustments as needed, ensuring that the final product looks seamless and professionally tailored.

Ladies & Gents Bridal

Located in Bakersfield, CA, Ladies & Gents Bridal is a long-standing bridal shop with over 30 years of experience. Renowned for its extensive selection of wedding gowns and exceptional customer service, the shop focuses on creating a personalized and memorable experience for every bride.

Services Offered

  • Designer Wedding Gowns: A wide variety of styles from different designers to accommodate various tastes and budgets. Options available for brides, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride, and flower girls.

  • Bridal Accessories: A selection of veils, jewelry, and other accessories to complete the bridal ensemble.

  • In-House Alterations: An experienced master seamstress ensures that gowns, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, and special occasion attire fit perfectly.

Customer Experience

  • Personalized Service: Staff members provide individualized attention to each bride during her appointment. Consultants work closely with brides to understand their preferences and guide them toward the perfect dress.

  • Appointment-Based Fittings: Appointments are recommended for fittings and consultations, ensuring focused, one-on-one service. Walk-ins are welcome, offering flexibility for customers.

  • Positive Reviews: Clients frequently praise the shop for its friendly environment and knowledgeable staff. Many customers express satisfaction with the dress selection and the quality of the alteration services.

Ladies & Gents Bridal blends its rich history in Bakersfield with a strong commitment to quality service, making it a go-to destination for brides seeking their perfect wedding gown.

Levie’s Dressmaking & Alterations 

Levie’s Dressmaking & Alterations is a prominent tailoring service located in Bakersfield, California. Established in 1994, this shop has built a reputation for providing exceptional custom alterations and tailoring at affordable prices. With over 30 years of experience, Levie's specializes in a variety of garments, including bridal wear, formal attire, and casual clothing.

Services Offered

Levie’s provides a comprehensive range of alteration services tailored to meet the specific needs of its clients:

  • Custom Alterations: The shop offers personalized fittings to ensure that each garment fits perfectly. This includes taking in or letting out seams, adjusting lengths, and reshaping silhouettes.

  • Bridal Alterations: Specializing in wedding gowns, Levie’s can handle everything from basic hems to complex modifications like bodice adjustments and bustle creation. They also offer alterations for bridesmaids' dresses and mother-of-the-bride outfits.

  • Restyling and Design: For clients looking to update their garments, Levie’s can restyle existing pieces or create new designs from scratch. This includes adding embellishments such as beading and appliqués.

  • Quick Turnaround: The shop is known for its efficient service, often completing alterations in a timely manner to accommodate urgent requests.

Customer Experience

Levie’s Dressmaking & Alterations has received positive feedback for its high-quality workmanship and customer service. Clients appreciate the owner’s attention to detail and ability to understand their vision. Many reviews highlight the welcoming atmosphere of the shop and the personalized approach taken during fittings.

The alteration process typically involves multiple fittings to ensure precision. During these appointments, Levie takes careful measurements and makes necessary adjustments, resulting in a polished final product that meets each client's expectations.


Levie’s Dressmaking & Alterations is a trusted choice for those seeking professional tailoring services in Bakersfield, making it an excellent option for brides and anyone needing garment alterations.

Barefield's Tailoring and Bridal Alterations

Barefield's Tailoring and Bridal Alterations is a well-established tailoring service located in Bakersfield, California. With over 25 years of experience, this shop specializes in providing alterations for bridal gowns and formal wear, making it a popular choice for brides and wedding parties in the area.

Services Offered

Barefield's offers a wide range of alteration services tailored to meet the specific needs of its clients:

  • Bridal Alterations: The shop specializes in wedding gown alterations, ensuring that each dress fits perfectly for the big day. Services include basic adjustments like hemming and taking in seams, as well as more complex modifications such as reshaping bodices and adding bustles.

  • Bridesmaid and Special Occasion Alterations: In addition to bridal gowns, Barefield's provides alteration services for bridesmaids' dresses, mother-of-the-bride outfits, and other formal wear.

  • Custom Tailoring: The shop can also handle custom tailoring requests, allowing clients to modify existing garments or create new designs that fit their unique style.

  • Quick Turnaround: Known for its efficiency, Barefield's can often complete alterations within tight deadlines, accommodating last-minute requests from brides and wedding parties.

Customer Experience

Barefield's Tailoring and Bridal Alterations has garnered positive reviews for its quality workmanship and customer service. Clients appreciate the personalized attention they receive during fittings, with many noting the owner’s expertise in understanding their vision and delivering results that exceed expectations.

The process typically involves multiple fittings to ensure that every detail is perfected. During these fittings, the team takes careful measurements and makes adjustments as needed, resulting in a polished final product that enhances the client's overall look.


Barefield's Tailoring and Bridal Alterations is a trusted choice for those seeking professional bridal alterations in Bakersfield. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, it remains a go-to destination for brides looking to achieve the perfect fit for their wedding attire.

Conclusion

When planning your wedding, ensuring that your dress fits perfectly is essential for both comfort and confidence on your special day. Bakersfield offers a variety of affordable wedding dress alteration services, each known for its quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. From A Almost Free Alterations to Barefield's Tailoring and Bridal Alterations, these businesses provide expert bridal alterations, timely turnarounds, and personalized fittings to help every bride feel beautiful. By choosing the right service and scheduling your alterations early, you can ensure your gown is tailored to perfection for your big day.